Veterinarian Overview
Dr. Jim Sparks was born an animal lover. Dr. Sparks remembers as a young child informing the former owner of Eagle Animal Hospital he was going to be a veterinarian and buy the practice from him. That is exactly what he did. At the age of 15, Dr. Noyes gave him his first job as a kennel attendant. "I was hooked on the profession from day one", he said.Since 1980, he has been a valued member of the hospital's support staff, working as a receptionist and doing the work of a veterinary technician throughout high school and during the summer while an undergraduate. Dr. Sparks graduated from the University of Missouri in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science. He earned his doctorate of veterinary medicine from the same school in 1990. Before graduating, he completed an externship with the chief veterinarian of the Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska.Dr. Sparks has practiced at Eagle Animal Hospital ever since and enjoys his role as principal owner. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, and the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association. His professional interest is focused on companion animal internal medicine. "I love veterinary medicine and surgery because the learning process is never done," he says. "Every day offers new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow as a veterinarian, parent, husband strengthening the human animal bond and becoming a better person one day at a time."At home, Dr. Sparks boasts a "true Brady Bunch" with three children of his own and three stepchildren with his wife Piper. He is an active member of the St. Therese church, is involved with many civic charities, and is a big supporter of youth athletics. He enjoys being outdoors, playing golf, fishing, and watching his children play sports. The family's pets include a German Shepherd named Dutchess, a Shepherd mix named Jesse, a King Charles Caviler Spaniel named Lacey, a rescued English Bulldog named Diva, and two guinea pigs.
